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Mexican & American breakfast, lunch & happy hour in casual digs with a pet-friendly patio.
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Reviews
Scott Eaton
Quirky old school snack-bar style restaurant with a full bar next to a golf course. Food ordered at the counter is brought to your table once prepared, but no other real service. 2 small covered patio areas with some additional patio seating with umbrellas or in the sun. There is also some counter seating on the patio that faces the golf course across the street. Pretty rustic and looks like it has evolved over the years, but the food is good, the atmosphere is comfortable, and the prices are reasonable — especially for being on the island.
… moreForOurDog
Sandtrap is our second choice for a good gluten-free meal.
In order, we recommend Pescado, Vegan, and Asada as a distant third. Both the tilapia and veggies were excellent, somehow the steak was overcooked and under seasoned.
Make the walk, bike, or Coaster ride out here, it is worth the trip.
… moreIn order, we recommend Pescado, Vegan, and Asada as a distant third. Both the tilapia and veggies were excellent, somehow the steak was overcooked and under seasoned.
Make the walk, bike, or Coaster ride out here, it is worth the trip.
Jessica Mercado
Best bartender, ever need to come here.First time in the catalina will not be the last.Ask for pedro, hugh and has special significant drinks.
… moreCarolina Lima
If you want a real Mexican dining and food experience, you must try this place! The staff were incredibly welcoming and provided the best hospitality. The environment was lovely. Very spacious, relaxing, and scenic. This is a hidden gem away from the tourist spots. Worth the walk to here. Thank you to the staff and cooks for serving my daughter the mojarra she has been craving ❤️
… moreMatt Houtsma
Great for happy hour which started at 11am on day our cruise ship was in town. $3 bud light and $6 margarita! Nice outdoor space.
… moreRachel Kazmier
What a lovely and delicious stop on our golf cart toodle! I had the skinny ghost pepper margarita, the others had beer and buffalo milk! The ceviche was spot on and fresh as were the tacos! If I didn’t know better it felt like a cool beach bar in Mexico! Be sure to hit up this spot on your golf cart scenic drive!
… moreShe’s Fancy LB
This is definitely more of a locals spot because of where it’s located on the island, plus, it just has that casual, non-tourist-y vibe which is great. The food is really yummy and if you feel like hanging out for a while to chat with friends and have some bevvies, this is the place to be! Right across from the golf course and a short walk to the Botanical Gardens (which has a GREAT short hike)!
… morek b
The Sandtrap – Catalina’s Hidden Taco Treasure (No Sand in Your Chips, Promise)
I visit Catalina Island at least twice a year & The Sandtrap is always on the must do list. Eat, watch t.v. (only one), relax, & chill.
Tucked a scenic 15-30 minute walk from the bustling town center (or a breezy 7-minute joyride by golf cart—don’t forget: sip, don’t drive!), this spot is a legit hidden gem for locals, students, and cruisers alike. And guess what? They get you.
Specials for cruise-goers? Check.
Student deals for the nearby school crowd? Double check.
Happy hour? Triple taco check.
Let’s taco ‘bout the food. I only sampled the fish taco and chips & salsa, but wow—¡qué auténtico! The fish taco had a good flavor within the Baja expected. The chips? Fresh-made daily, a rare flex. They were thicker than I usually like, but still hit the spot when dunked in that zesty, made-from-scratch salsa.
The aroma of grilled carne asada was absent so I didn’t try the tacos. I’m from San Diego so it’s hard to try meat tacos from other places unless I know for certain.
I chatted with friendly customers and they too delighted in their meal choices with accolades.
The vibe? Open-air beauty. Shaded by trees or sheltered by actual structures, it’s a spot where your margarita gets a little extra glow from the Catalina sun.
Seating choices abound: bar, table, or those high-top seats that let you sip and spy on passing golf carts.
Full bar, clean restrooms, mobile-accessible, and full of the kind of warm service that makes you feel like you’ve been coming here for years—even if it’s your first time.
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE:
Catalina’s got a couple other Mexican joints near the center, I’d steer you away from them with a firm flick of my tortilla.
The Sandtrap? This eatery is solid—no gimmicks and no regrets, generally.
Whether you’re a curious tourist, hungry hiker, golf cart adventurer, or just someone who knows a good taco when they see one—The Sandtrap is your Catalina calling.
… moreI visit Catalina Island at least twice a year & The Sandtrap is always on the must do list. Eat, watch t.v. (only one), relax, & chill.
Tucked a scenic 15-30 minute walk from the bustling town center (or a breezy 7-minute joyride by golf cart—don’t forget: sip, don’t drive!), this spot is a legit hidden gem for locals, students, and cruisers alike. And guess what? They get you.
Specials for cruise-goers? Check.
Student deals for the nearby school crowd? Double check.
Happy hour? Triple taco check.
Let’s taco ‘bout the food. I only sampled the fish taco and chips & salsa, but wow—¡qué auténtico! The fish taco had a good flavor within the Baja expected. The chips? Fresh-made daily, a rare flex. They were thicker than I usually like, but still hit the spot when dunked in that zesty, made-from-scratch salsa.
The aroma of grilled carne asada was absent so I didn’t try the tacos. I’m from San Diego so it’s hard to try meat tacos from other places unless I know for certain.
I chatted with friendly customers and they too delighted in their meal choices with accolades.
The vibe? Open-air beauty. Shaded by trees or sheltered by actual structures, it’s a spot where your margarita gets a little extra glow from the Catalina sun.
Seating choices abound: bar, table, or those high-top seats that let you sip and spy on passing golf carts.
Full bar, clean restrooms, mobile-accessible, and full of the kind of warm service that makes you feel like you’ve been coming here for years—even if it’s your first time.
INSIDER KNOWLEDGE:
Catalina’s got a couple other Mexican joints near the center, I’d steer you away from them with a firm flick of my tortilla.
The Sandtrap? This eatery is solid—no gimmicks and no regrets, generally.
Whether you’re a curious tourist, hungry hiker, golf cart adventurer, or just someone who knows a good taco when they see one—The Sandtrap is your Catalina calling.
Good samaritan
The worst tacos I’ve ever had.
I ordered a shrimp taco and specifically asked for grilled shrimp. What I got was a tiny bay shrimp taco instead—completely different and incredibly disappointing.
The fish taco was even worse. The fish came in tiny, shredded pieces, like it had already been chewed up, with some salsa slapped on top. No flavor. No seasoning. Nothing.
I paid $17 for two tacos. When you’re charging $6 per taco, customers deserve decent, quality food—not misleading orders and skimpy portions. This felt like a total scam. Do better.
… moreI ordered a shrimp taco and specifically asked for grilled shrimp. What I got was a tiny bay shrimp taco instead—completely different and incredibly disappointing.
The fish taco was even worse. The fish came in tiny, shredded pieces, like it had already been chewed up, with some salsa slapped on top. No flavor. No seasoning. Nothing.
I paid $17 for two tacos. When you’re charging $6 per taco, customers deserve decent, quality food—not misleading orders and skimpy portions. This felt like a total scam. Do better.
Robert Dryden
The happy hour $2 tacos are legit! I had the carnitas and they were tasty and good sized. Not those real small kind you get at some places. They even have a full bar and outdoor seating. I highly recommend stopping here, especially if you’re starting the Trans Catalina Trail the next day!
… more